birr

¹

[ bur ]

noun

1. force; energy; vigor.
2. emphasis in statement, speech, etc.
3. a whirring sound.

verb (used without object)

1. to move with or make a whirring sound.

birr

²

[ beer ]

noun

, plural birr.

1. a paper money, silver coin, and monetary unit of Ethiopia, equal to 100 cents: replaced the Ethiopian dollar in 1976.

birr

¹

/ bɜː /

noun

1. the standard monetary unit of Ethiopia, divided into 100 cents

birr

²

/ bɜː /

verb

1. to make or cause to make a whirring sound

noun

1. a whirring sound
2. force, as of wind
3. vigour; energy

Word History and Origins

Origin of birr¹

1275–1325; Middle English bire, bur, Old English byre strong wind; cognate with Icelandic byrr favorable wind; akin to bear ¹

Word History and Origins

Origin of birr¹

C20: from Amharic

Origin of birr²

Old English byre storm, related to Old Norse byrr favourable wind

Example Sentences

Forr iwhillc mann birr wepenn her, sikenn sare suhhhenn, Orm 7923.

From Project Gutenberg

An abbey was founded at Birr by St Brendan (d. 573), to whom the present parish church is dedicated.

From Project Gutenberg

Birr Castle itself is a noble mansion with reminiscences from the time of Cromwell.

From Project Gutenberg

St. Brendan of Birr, is to be carefully distinguished from his more celebrated namesake of Clonfert.

From Project Gutenberg

It returns two members to parliament, for the Birr and Tullamore divisions respectively.

From Project Gutenberg

Related Words

• ability
• agility
• alertness
• capability
• dynamism
• endurance
• intensity
• potency
• quickness
• strength
• urgency
• vitality